U.S. patent application number 11/796347 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for inhibition of reactive oxygen species and protection of mammalian cells.
This patent application is currently assigned to UNIVERISTY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.. Invention is credited to Junping Chen, James F. McGinnis, Swanand Patil, Sudipta Seal, Steve Sezate, Lily Wong.
Application Number | 20070202193 11/796347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37308499 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070202193 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGinnis; James F. ; et
al. |
August 30, 2007 |
Inhibition of reactive oxygen species and protection of mammalian
cells
Abstract
Methods and compositions useful for neuronal protection in
retinal cells in vitro and the protection of mammalian cells from
reactive oxygen species in vivo are provided. Ultrafine nano-size
cerium oxide particles, less than 10 nanometers in diameter, have
been provided to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) in retina
tissue that generates large amounts of ROS. These reactive oxygen
species (ROS) are involved in light-induced retina degeneration and
age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cerium oxide nanoparticles
have been used to promote the lifespan of retinal neurons and
protect the neurons from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in
vitro and in vivo. The neuronal protection in retinal cells is
achieved by decreasing generation of intracellular reactive oxygen
species (ROS). Thus, cerium oxide particles are used to promote the
longevity of retinal neurons in vitro and mammalian cells in
vivo.
Inventors: |
McGinnis; James F.; (Edmond,
OK) ; Chen; Junping; (Oklahoma City, OK) ;
Wong; Lily; (Oklahoma City, OK) ; Sezate; Steve;
(Oklahoma City, OK) ; Seal; Sudipta; (Oveido,
FL) ; Patil; Swanand; (Orlando, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF BRIAN S STEINBERGER
101 BREVARD AVENUE
COCOA
FL
32922
US
|
Assignee: |
UNIVERISTY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
UNIVERISTY OF OKLAHOMA
|
Family ID: |
37308499 |
Appl. No.: |
11/796347 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11412665 |
Apr 27, 2006 |
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11796347 |
Apr 27, 2007 |
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60676043 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
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60716630 |
Sep 13, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/617 ;
977/906 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 33/24 20130101;
A61P 27/02 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/617 ;
977/906 |
International
Class: |
A61K 33/24 20060101
A61K033/24 |
Goverment Interests
[0002] This invention relates to biological uses of nanoceria
particles, and in particular to methods and compositions useful for
neuronal protection in retinal cells in vitro and the protection of
mammalian cells from reactive oxygen species in vivo and is
supported in part by funding from the National Science Foundation
and National Institutes of Health under the Contract numbers: P20
RR17703, FY014427, FY13050, and FY12190.
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A method for promoting longevity of retinal neurons comprising
the steps of: preparing ultra-fine particles of at least one of
CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and 0<n2<3 in a preselected
concentration; and adding the preselected concentration of
CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and 0<n2<3 to primary
retinal neurons.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the ultra-fine particles have a
diameter in a range between approximately 1 nanometer (nm) and
approximately 10 nm.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the CeO.sub.n1 is further
defined as n1 equals approximately 2.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the preselected concentrations
of CeO.sub.2 are in a range between approximately 3 nanomolar (nM)
and approximately fifty nanomolar (nM).
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the preselected concentrations
of CeO.sub.2 are in a range between approximately 3 nanomolar (nM)
and approximately twenty nanomolar (nM).
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the preselected concentrations
of CeO.sub.2 are added to primary retinal neurons in vitro.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the preselected concentrations
of CeO.sub.2 are administered to mammalian cells in vivo to protect
the mammalian body system from damage to any tissue due to reactive
oxygen species (ROS).
Description
[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/676,043 filed Apr. 29, 2005 and
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/716,630 filed Sep. 13,
2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Background and Prior Art
[0003] Cerium is a silvery metallic element, belonging to the
lanthanide group. Cerium Oxide (CeO.sub.2) is used in precision
polishing and lapping applications. Ultra fine nano-size cerium
oxide, less than 10 nanometers, is more efficient for coating
purposes. Recently, it was reported by B. Rzigalinski et al. that
nanoparticles prolong the life of cortical neurons in culture 4
fold over the cells without treatment; decreased the intracellular
Ca2+ concentration and prevented UV damage of cortical neurons. See
B. Rzigalinski et al., "Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Extend Cell
Longevity and Act as Free Radical Scavengers" at website
http://www.med.miami.edu/mnbws/Rzigalinski112.html. Based on its
chemical characteristics, this effect is partially due to a
decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
[0004] Retina tissue generates a large amount of ROS which are
involved in light-induced retina degeneration and age-related
macular degeneration (AMD). The present invention tests the
hypothesis that nanoparticles can promote the lifespan of retinal
neurons in culture and protect them from apoptosis induced by
hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) in vitro by decreasing the
intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species.
[0005] In 2004, T. H. Margrain et al. discuss the state of research
in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration in Progress in
Retinal and Eve Research, 2004, 23: 523-531, "Do Blue Light Filters
Confer Protection Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration?" The
problem of apoptosis in the body is discussed in an article by P.
Moongkarndi et al. in "Antiproliferation, Antioxidation and
Induction of Apoptosis by Garcinia Mangostana (Mangosteen) on SKBR3
Human Breast Cancer Cell Line", Jl. of Ethnopharmacology, 2004, 90:
161-166.
[0006] Often persons suffering from light-induced retina
degeneration and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are without
satisfactory remedies to prevent the eventual outcome of blindness.
There are some proteins available for neuronal protection of
retinal cells, however, they are big molecules and over time their
effect may fade away.
[0007] It is desirable to find reliable solutions to prolong the
lifespan of retinal neurons so that blindness is avoided for
persons with retina degeneration and AMD.
[0008] In addition to diseases of the eye, many human diseases are
due to the death of cells in specific tissues or organs. The
majority of those diseases are due to accumulation of metabolic
insults from reactive oxygen species originating within or outside
of the cells. These diseases include all forms of blindness whether
hereditary, light-induced, or physical damage such as occurs in
retinal detachment. In addition, damage due to ageing, stroke,
cardiac infarction, burns, etc, which proceed through reactive
oxygen species, can be addressed with the nanoceria particles of
the present invention.
[0009] The present invention promotes a longer lifespan for retinal
neurons. The greatest benefit of the nanoceria is its ability to
get inside the cells and provide protection from reactive oxygen
species (ROS); other body systems and tissues can also be protected
from damage due to ROS.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A primary objective of the present invention is to promote
the lifespan of retinal neurons in culture.
[0011] A secondary objective of the present invention is to protect
retinal neurons from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide
(H.sub.2O.sub.2) in vitro.
[0012] A third objective of the present invention is to protect
retinal neurons from apoptosis induced by reactive oxygen species
in vivo.
[0013] A fourth objective of the present invention is to inhibit
the rise in the intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen
species (ROS).
[0014] A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide
method for inhibiting apoptosis induced by H.sub.2O.sub.2 of
retinal neurons in vitro in a dose and time dependent manner.
[0015] A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide
method for inhibiting apoptosis induced by reactive oxygen species
in retinal neurons in vivo in a dose and time dependent manner.
[0016] A seventh objective of the present invention is to provide a
method for preventing an increase in the intracellular reactive
oxygen species (ROS) in a dose and time dependent manner.
[0017] An eighth objective of the-present invention is to
manufacture and modify cerium oxide (CeO.sub.2) nanoparticles for
effective use in neuronal protection in retinal cells.
[0018] A ninth objective of the present invention is to manufacture
and modify cerium oxide (CeO.sub.2) nanoparticles for effective use
in mammalian cells in vivo to inhibit damage caused by reactive
oxygen species (ROS).
[0019] A preferred composition for promoting longevity of retinal
neurons includes at least one of CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2,
and 0<n2<3 in the form of ultra-fine particles. The preferred
ultra-fine particles have a diameter in a range between
approximately 1 nanometer (nm) and approximately 10 nm and the
preferred CeO.sub.n1 is further defined as n1 equals approximately
2.
[0020] A preferred composition for inhibiting apoptosis induced by
hydrogen peroxide oxidation of retinal neurons includes at least
one of CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and 0<n2<3 in the
form of ultra-fine particles. The preferred ultra-fine particles
have a diameter in a range between approximately 1 nanometer (nm)
and approximately 10 nM and the preferred CeO.sub.n1 is further
defined as n1 equals approximately 2.
[0021] A preferred composition for inhibiting apoptosis of retinal
neurons in a dose and time dependent manner includes at least one
of CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and 0<n2<3 in the form of
ultra-fine particles. The preferred ultra-fine particles have a
diameter in a range between approximately 1 nanometer (nm) and
approximately 10 nm and the preferred CeO.sub.n1 is further defined
as n1 equals approximately 2.
[0022] A more preferred composition that decreases the
concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)
includes at least one of CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and
0<n2<3 in the form of ultra-fine particles. The more
preferred composition is used in the treatment of diseases of the
retina selected from the group consisting of light-induced retina
degeneration and age-related macular degeneration, and is also used
in vivo for the treatment of diseases in mammalian cells to inhibit
damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
[0023] The mammalian cells that can be treated by the composition
of the present invention, include, but are not limited to, retinal
neurons, brain cells, heart cells, skin cells, liver cells, kidney
cells and peripheral nervous system cells.
[0024] A preferred method for promoting longevity of retinal
neurons includes preparing ultra-fine particles of at least one of
CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and 0<n2<3 in a preselected
concentration, and adding the preselected concentration of
CeO.sub.n1 wherein 0<n1<2, and 0<n2<3 to primary
retinal neurons. The preferred ultra-fine particles have a diameter
in a range between approximately 1 nanometer (nm) and approximately
10 nm and the CeO.sub.n1 is further defined as n1 equals
approximately 2. The preferred preselected concentrations of
CeO.sub.2 are in a range between approximately 3 nanomolar (nM) and
approximately fifty nanomolar (nM), more preferably in a range
between approximately 3 nanomolar (nM) and approximately twenty
nanomolar (nM).
[0025] It is also preferred that the preselected concentrations of
CeO.sub.2 are added to primary retinal neurons in vitro and/or
administered to mammalian cells in vivo to protect the mammalian
body system from damage to any tissue due to reactive oxygen
species (ROS).
[0026] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently
preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] FIG. 1 is a timeline of exposure of a primary retinal neuron
culture to treatment with cerium oxide nanoparticles.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the percentage of apoptotic
retinal neurons in culture with and without 5 nanomoles (nM) cerium
oxide nanoparticle treatment at different time points.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows the initial cerium oxide nanoparticle
treatments followed by hydrogen peroxide incubation, and time line
of exposure.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a flow cytometry plot of the control sample of
primary retinal neurons with no cerium oxide nanoparticle
treatments and no hydrogen peroxide incubation.
[0031] FIG. 4B is a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons in the
presence of 100 micromoles (.mu.M) hydrogen peroxide.
[0032] FIG. 4C is. a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons treated
with 1 nM cerium oxide in the presence of 100 micromoles (.mu.M)
hydrogen peroxide.
[0033] FIG. 4D is a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons treated
with 3 nM cerium oxide in the presence of 100 micromoles (.mu.M)
hydrogen peroxide.
[0034] FIG. 4E is a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons treated
with 5 nM cerium oxide in the presence of 100 micromoles (.mu.M)
hydrogen peroxide.
[0035] FIG. 4F is a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons treated
with 10 nM cerium oxide in the presence of 100 micromoles (.mu.M)
hydrogen peroxide.
[0036] FIG. 4G is a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons treated
with 20 nM cerium oxide in the presence of 100 micromoles (.mu.M)
hydrogen peroxide.
[0037] FIG. 4H is a flow cytometry plot of retinal neurons treated
with 20 nM cerium oxide. FIG. 5 shows relative viable retinal
neurons with and without incubation of different concentrations of
cerium oxide nanoparticles for time periods between approximately
12 hours and approximately 96 hours.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows the initial cerium oxide nanoparticle
treatments, hydrogen peroxide and DCFH-DA incubation, and time line
of exposure.
[0039] FIG. 7A is a graph of the intracellular level of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) of retinal neurons after 30 minutes incubation
with cerium oxide nanoparticles.
[0040] FIG. 7B is a graph of the intracellular level of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) of retinal neurons after 12 hours incubation
with cerium oxide nanoparticles.
[0041] FIG. 7C is a graph of the intracellular level of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) of retinal neurons after 24 hours incubation
with cerium oxide nanoparticles.
[0042] FIG. 7D is a graph of the intracellular level of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) of retinal neurons after 96 hours incubation
with cerium oxide nanoparticles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present
invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
[0044] The present invention has two embodiments describing in
detail the in vitro and in vivo treatment of mammalian cells with
ultra fine nano-size cerium oxide particles, less than 10
nanometers in diameter, to protect the "body system" from damage to
any tissue due to reactive oxygen species (ROS).
[0045] Hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) is one of many reactive
oxygen species. In the present invention, H.sub.2O.sub.2 is added
directly to cultures for the in vitro treatments. H.sub.2O.sub.2 is
not added to the live tissue samples, since H.sub.2O.sub.2 is one
of the ROS products of light damage. The discussion below confirms
that nanoceria particles inhibit all forms of reactive oxygen
species (ROS).
[0046] For example, the nanoceria particles of the present
invention can protect the brain against stroke and reperfusion
injury, the heart cells from effects of cardiac infarction, the
skin from UV rays and bum injuries. Neurodegeneration (e.g.,
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
and potentially mental retardation (due to loss of brain cells)
within the central and peripheral nervous systems can also be
inhibited. This protection can extend to diseases which produce
chronic problems such as cirrhosis of the liver or kidney or the
multi-organ effects of aging itself. The nanoceria can become the
universal treatment for all major and minor diseases and events
which involve reactive oxygen species.
[0047] The nanoceria (CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles) have the ability to
destroy toxic products of metabolism known as reactive oxygen
species (ROS). It has been shown in one embodiment that the
nanoceria particles prevent the ROS induced death of mammalian
retinal neurons in culture (in vitro) and subsequently prolonged
the life of the cells in culture and protected the cells from ROS.
In the second embodiment, the ability to provide mammalian cell
protection in vivo is disclosed.
[0048] The first embodiment of the present invention provides a
method and composition for promoting the lifespan of retinal
neurons and protecting the nerve cells in the eye from apoptosis
induced by hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) in vitro by
decreasing generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The
treatment of the eye with ultra fine nano-size cerium oxide is a
significant advance in biological uses of cerium oxide. Persons
afflicted with such conditions as, light-induced retina
degeneration and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have hope
for brighter, clearer vision.
[0049] The examples below provide further detail on the preparation
and treatment of retinal nerve cells with CeO.sub.2
nanoparticles.
EXAMPLE 1
[0050] A primary retinal neuron culture is obtained from albino rat
pups. Retinae of Sprague-Dawley albino rat pups (0-2-day old) were
dissected out and mechanically dissociated in 25 ml of DMEM/F12
medium. After being filtered through 230 .mu.m and 140 .mu.m
sieves, the dissociated cells were centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5
min. The cell pellets were re-suspended in the medium to
1.times.10.sup.5 cells/ml. 1 ml of the cell suspension was plated
in each well pre-treated with 10 .mu.g/ml of poly-D-lysine. The
cells were maintained in the medium until day 7, when different
concentrations of CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles were added to the
cultures. The timeline for the addition of CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles
is shown in FIG. 1. The treated neuronal cells were harvested on
day 14, day 19, day 24 and day 29 after the beginning of treatment
on day 7. The percentage of apoptotic retinal neurons in the
culture with and without 5 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treatment is
shown in FIG. 2 at the 12.sup.th day, 14.sup.th day, 19.sup.th day,
24.sup.th day and 29.sup.th day. Data are shown in M.+-.S.D.
Statistics were collected by Student t-test (n=3, *p<0.05,
**p<0.01). FIG. 2 confirms that at every testing period the
control with no CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treatment had a higher
percentage of apoptotic retinal neurons in the culture, in contrast
to the decreased percentage of apoptotic retinal neurons in the
cells treated with 5 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles.
EXAMPLE 2
[0051] The detection of apoptosis by flow cytometry is illustrated
in FIGS. 3, 4A-4H and 5. After periods of incubation with CeO.sub.2
or H.sub.2O.sub.2, the cells were washed with serum free medium 3
times, followed by treatment of 1 ml of 1.times. trypsin for 2 min.
After centrifuging, the cell pellet was resuspended in 500 .mu.l of
1.times.PBS containing 5 .mu.l of Annexin V-FITC and 25 .mu.l of
Propidium Iodide (PI). The kit used for the analysis is
commercially available from Beckman Coulter and is known as the
"ANNEXIN V-FITC Kit." The mixture was incubated on ice for 10
minutes. The fluorescent emissions of FITC and PI were detected by
flow cytometry (Beckman Coulter) with the excitation filters of 492
nanometers (nm) and 550 nm. The FITC fluorescent emissions signals
the presence of cells undergoing apoptosis; whereas, the PI signals
with an automatic red color fluorescence the binding to DNA
fragments identifying cells in a necrotic stage.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a treatment timeline with CeO.sub.2 incubation
after the 7.sup.th day of treatment at the time intervals of 12
hours, 24 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours with each treated sample
subsequently exposed to 12 hours incubation time with
H.sub.2O.sub.2.
[0053] FIGS. 4A-4H are representative flow cytometry plots of
retinal neurons with and without incubation with CeO.sub.2
nanoparticles. Measurements were taken after 96 hours. The
cytometry plot shows activity of approximately 10,000 cells in four
quadrants, as described below.
[0054] C1 represents the percentage of 10,000 cells showing Annexin
V positive signals, which are interpreted to indicate the
percentage of 10,000 cells undergoing apoptosis.
[0055] C2 represents the percentage of 10,000 cells showing both
Annexin V and PI positive signals, which is interpreted as the
percentage of 10,000 cells which are in late apoptotic or necrotic
stage. (Annexin V signals apoptotic ;stage; PI signals necrotic
stage.)
[0056] C3 represents the percentage of 10,000 cells showing neither
Annexin V nor PI positive signals, which is interpreted as the
percentage of 10,000 cells which are still viable.
[0057] C4 represents the percentage of 10,000 cells showing a PI
positive signal, which is interpreted as the percentage of 10,000
cells in a necrotic stage.
[0058] Quadrants C2 and C4 show the percentage of 10,000 cells
committed to die. In quadrant C1 the percentage of 10,000 cells
undergoing apoptosis are shown and some may be salvaged. It is
important to observe the percentage of 10,000 cells in quadrant C2
for the efficacy of the cerium oxide treatment of the present
invention.
[0059] Focusing on the viable cells, the control in FIG. 4A has no
CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treatment and 73.9% of the cell population
is viable after 96 hours. FIG. 4B is treated with 100 .mu.M
H.sub.2O.sub.2, causing a deadly assault and leaving the lowest
percentage (57.7%) of viable cells. The addition of gradually
increasing concentrations of cerium oxide with 100 .mu.M
H.sub.2O.sub.2, are shown in FIGS. 4C-4G.
[0060] FIG. 4C is treated with 1 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles and 100
.mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2 and 60.6% of the cell population remains
viable. FIG. 4D is treated with 3 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles and
100 .mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2 and 67.0% of the cell population is
viable. FIG. 4E is treated with 5 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles and
100 .mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2, with 68.9% of the cell population
remaining viable. FIG. 4F is treated with 10 nM CeO.sub.2
nanoparticles and 100 .mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2 and 72.6% of the cell
population is viable. FIG. 4G is treated with 20 nM CeO.sub.2
nanoparticles and 100 .mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2 and 72.3% of the cell
population remains viable.
[0061] FIG. 4H is treated with 20 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles
without the addition of H.sub.2O.sub.2 and 73.4% of the cell
population remains viable showing that the CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles
alone have no negative effect on the cell population.
[0062] The data in FIGS. 4A-4H can also be summarized from the
analysis of cells undergoing apoptosis as shown in quadrant C1. The
control, FIG. 4A shows 16.2% of cells undergoing apoptosis under
normal conditions, without any treatment, after 96 hours. FIG. 4B
shows 26.1% of cells undergoing apoptosis after the 100 .mu.M
H.sub.2O.sub.2 challenge. FIGS. 4C-4G show there are 28.3%, 21.9%,
22.2%, 18.5% and 15.8% of cells undergoing apoptosis with 1, 3, 5,
10 and 20 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treatment, respectively. FIG.
4H shows 15.7% of cells undergoing apoptosis with 20 nM CeO.sub.2
nanoparticle treatment, which is a slight improvement over no
treatment at all as shown by the control in FIG. 4A.
[0063] Thus, cerium oxide nanoparticles inhibit apoptosis in
retinal neurons in vitro in a dose and time dependent manner.
[0064] FIG. 5 shows relative viable retinal neurons with and
without incubation of different concentration of CeO.sub.2
nanoparticles for different time periods. The concentration of
CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles were 1 nM, 3 nM, 5 nM, 10 nM, 20 nM each
with 100 .mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2; one sample was treated with only 100
.mu.M H.sub.2O.sub.2 and another sample was treated with only 20 nM
CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles. The measurement of relative viable cells
for each group was determined after 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours,
72 hours and 96 hours. The effects showed dose and time dependency.
5 nM cerium oxide nanoparticles started to decrease the apoptosis
at 24 h of incubation. As incubation time increased, the protective
effect from 5 nM nanoparticles was more significantly increased.
Additionally, 100 nM and 20 nM nanoparticles began to have effects
late with 96 h of incubation. (Statistical analysis was done by
ANOVA, and Duncan test for post hoc analysis. Data are presented in
M.+-.S.D. n.gtoreq.3, *p<0.05, **p<0.01). FIG. 5 shows that
among the various treatment doses, 5nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle
treatment gave the earliest response with moderate protective
effect and 20 nM CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treatment gave the highest
protective effect with late response.
EXAMPLE 3
[0065] Intracelluar reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was
measured in both CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treated and control cells
using 29,79-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA, Sigma).
Briefly, the retinal neurons were exposed to CeO.sub.2
nanoparticles with different concentrations and various incubation
times. After incubation, the cells were incubated with 10 .mu.M
DCFH-DA (dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)) at 37.degree. C.
for 30 min. The cells then were incubated with 1 mM H.sub.2O.sub.2
at 37.degree. C. for 30 min after the excess DCFH-DA was washed
with PBS. The cells were harvested as described above. The
intensity of fluorescence was detected by flow cytometry with the
excitation filter of 485 nm. The ROS level was calculated as a
ratio: ROS=mean intensity of treated cells divided by mean
intensity of control cells.
[0066] FIG. 6 is an experimental paradigm showing the beginning of
the CeO.sub.2 nanoparticle treatment on the 7.sup.th day and
simultaneous incubation with H.sub.2O.sub.2 and DCFH-DA and a
timeline of exposure at 30 minutes, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 96
hours. FIGS. 7A-7D show how the CeO.sub.2 nanoparticles decreased
the generation of ROS in a dose and time dependent manner. The ROS
generated in the groups of 5 nM, 10 nM, and 20 nM nanoparticle
incubation were statistically significantly less than the group
without treatment at the earliest (12 h) of the tested points. 3 nM
nanoparticle incubation had an effect at 24 h. However, 1 nM
nanoparticles did not show any significant decrease within the
tested time point. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA, and
Duncan test for post hoc analysis. Data were shown in M.+-.S.D.
n=3,** p<0.01; *p<0.05.
[0067] The cerium oxide of the present invention includes those
cerium compounds that have reacted with atmospheric oxygen to have
stable oxide layers identified as CeO.sub.n1, wherein O is less
than 1 or equal to 2 (0<n1<2) and (0<n2<3).
[0068] The cerium oxide particles of the present invention are
characterized as ultra-fine and are preferably in a size range of
from approximately 1 nanometer in diameter to approximately 10
nanometers in diameter; more preferably from approximately 1 nm to
approximately 7 nm. A judicious selection of particle size is
required by someone skilled in the art and is not a limitation of
the present invention.
[0069] The results of testing in the above examples document the
ability of cerium oxide nanoparticles to promote the longevity of
retinal neurons in vitro and inhibit apoptosis induced by hydrogen
peroxide on retinal neurons in vitro in a dose and time dependent
manner. It has also been determined that cerium oxide nanoparticles
decrease generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in a
dose and time dependent manner. Thus, the present invention
represents a significant advance in the treatment in degenerative
diseases of the retina, such as, but not limited to light-induced
retina degeneration and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
[0070] In the second embodiment of the present invention a rat
"light damage" model for retinal degeneration was used as the test
system. The data demonstrate that the nanoceria prevented the death
of retinal neurons when given prior to the "light insult". The
nanoceria particles protected the cells at the time of exposure as
well as prevented the subsequent death seen days later in the
untreated animals. The in vivo route of administration, including,
direct injection into the eye, intravenous, intraperitoneal,
intramuscular, oral or topically on the eye or skin may improve the
result. Similarly, the time of administration of the nanoparticle,
both before or after an insult, is important. Thus, the nanoceria
will also prevent the death of retinal cells due to glaucoma,
diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal degeneration (for example,
Retinitis Pigmentosa), macular degeneration, retinal detachment or
any disease or event which proceeds through the production of ROS.
These particles should preserve and prolong vision when
administered in vivo.
EXAMPLE 4
[0071] Rats were injected intravitreally with 2 microliters (.mu.l)
of nanoceria (concentrations from 0.1 to 1.0 micromolar) three days
before they were exposed for six hours to a bright light (2700 LUX)
in a light box. The animals were returned to normal lighting for
3.5 days, then killed, the eyes enucleated, fixed, processed for
paraffin embedding, sectioned, and either stained with H & E or
processed for immunocytochemistry.
[0072] The number of photoreceptors remaining was determined with
the H&E sections by using a microscope connected to a digital
camera to record the images and then measuring the thickness of the
outer nuclear layer every 240 microns from the optic nerve along
both the superior and the inferior retina to the ora seratta. The
data was then plotted as retina thickness versus the distance from
the optic nerve head. The changes in other layers of retinal cells
were recorded with images but not quantified. Cells actively
undergoing apoptosis were also visualized using a commercially
available "Apoptosis kit" and recording the microscopic images with
a fluorescence microscope.
[0073] The data demonstrate that the nanoceria at all
concentrations tested prevented the immediate death of retinal
cells shortly after exposure to light as well as the ongoing death
seen days later in the untreated animals. We therefore have
demonstrated in vivo that these nanoceria particles can protect
cells within the rat retina from light-induced cell death.
[0074] Prior to the present invention, it was not known that
nanoceria particles could be used in vivo for preventing blindness
or death of retinal cells, or for preventing the death in vivo of
any other cell type in any disease. The chemical properties of CeO2
nanoparticles enable the destruction of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) produced by toxins and/or products of oxygen metabolism
within cells.
[0075] Thus, nanoceria can protect any cell type from ROS induced
damages. Diseases which could possibly be prevented, cured or
ameliorated would include hereditary blindness, macular
degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment,
and other blinding diseases which involve ROS would be potentially
solved. Similarly, in other cells within the central nervous system
(CNS), neuronal death in strokes, degenerative diseases such as
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, Huntington's Disease, and the
death of peripheral nerves are preventable or at least the rate of
cell death can be decreased and would result in prolonged function
of the cells, tissues, organs, and individual.
[0076] While the invention has been described, disclosed,
illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or
modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the
invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be,
limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may
be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved
especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims
here appended.
* * * * *
References